At 10.00 a.m. LST today (24 July), the tropical storm “SONCA” over the upper South China Sea was centered about 350 kilometers east of Vinh, Vietnam or latitude 17.2 degree North, longitude 111.3 degree East. It is moving westward slowly with maximum sustained wind about 35 knots or 65 km/hr. This storm is forecast to make landfall over Vietnam on 25 July and downgrade to tropical depression and low pressure cell, respectively. It is likely move pass through Laos, the upper Northeast and the North of Thailand. Abundant rain with isolated heavy to very heavy rain over country. Details of affected areas are as below:

People should beware of severe weather conditions that cause possible flash floods until 28 July 2017.

The strong southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea and the South. The strong winds waves are likely 2-3 meters high in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. All ships should proceed with caution, and small boats in the upper Andaman Sea keep ashore until 29 July.